Retail chain Belk today is expected to announce that it has agreed to be an official sponsor of the SEC and ESPN’s SEC Network, which launches Aug. 14. The new six-year relationship gives Belk the status of official retail department store of the SEC, with marketing rights to the conference's championship events. Belk also will receive exposure on the network’s new cable channel and digital platforms. ESPN, the rights holder for the SEC and owner of the SEC Network, sold the marketing and media deal. The deal with the SEC and ESPN extends Belk’s marketing presence in the college space. The department store, which has 300 locations across 16 Southern states, is the largest family-owned and operated department store in the nation. Belk has been title sponsor of the Charlotte-based bowl game for the past three seasons and beginning this season, that game will feature a matchup of an SEC team against an ACC opponent. Belk Exec VP/Marketing Jon Pollack said, “We know that collegiate sports are an important part of the Southern lifestyle." ESPN has already announced deals with Regions Bank and Dr Pepper that combine sponsorship with the SEC and the SEC Network.